The importance of reference checking – how Star Wars can help!

A recent Employment Tribunal case makes an amusing read and emphasises the need for employers to take great care to check references.

In his job application Mr Fancis-McGann claimed to have experience as a Captain, providing a reference in support of this from a Mr Desilijic Tiure. For those not familiar with Star Wars, Desilijic Tiure is another name for Jabba the Hutt! West Atlantic hired him and gave him training before they discovered the truth.

References can be important in the recruitment process and employers are wise to offer employment conditional on receiving satisfactory references – and from credible referees!